Illness

The illness of Haden's syndrome is the main unifying factor in the story's plot, as it provides the basis for all of the other elements in the novel. With an extensive Prologue, the illness itself is defined giving the reader a better understanding of impact this disease has had on the world. It is interesting that the author chooses to begin the actual narrative of the story 25 years after the Prologue. This gives society the chance to evolve around the virus in the forms of various technological advances and a form of acceptance within the community.

The opportunity to see the effects of Haden's syndrome first hand come through the main character, Chris Shane. Haden's syndrome is not a deterrent for him as he has lived with his condition since he was an infant. Instead, he grows up as a key part in the Haden acceptance...